How To Clean Old Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter?

Last Updated on April 27, 2022

One of the leading and the most sold dishwasher supplier is whirlpool. Similarly, some of their dishwasher models come with filters. It helps to release the unnecessary clogging of small particles and food scrapes. If not done, it will not vent down the drain and buildup on the dishes.

It is, therefore, crucial to clean and maintain these filters to keep the dishwashing process steady and hygienic. The cleaning can be done monthly or twice a month. There can be no excuses to clean them as whirlpool has designed them to be easily accessible. 

Here is how to clean old whirlpool dishwasher filter:

Types of dishwashers:

Based on filter assemblies, there are two types of these; manual and self-cleaning. 

Manual cleaning dishwashers:

This type of dishwasher requires cleaning at least once a month. It is not a strict rule, though, and can vary according to the usage. Certain people have pre-rinsing habits, so cleaning is frequent in this case. 

Another factor that affects the cleaning need is the presence of olfactory and visual cues. If you feel the grittiness, unpleasant odors, or there is food being left behind, its time to clean up. 

Self-cleaning dishwashers:

These are called hard food disposers. They rely on a function of integrated grinding. It pulverizes the food, which is then washed and drained away, a lot like a garbage disposal framework. The self-cleaning term is allotted to them because they don’t require the owners to manage them frequently. The only con of having such a cleaner is its noisiness. The deep cleaning is not bearable at times.

In order to determine how to clean whirlpool dishwasher, it is necessary to know its type. This can be figured out by the owner’s manual or the help of a sales representative. If you find a removable cylindrical piece under the rotating arm, that is a manual filter. It will most likely have arrows on it that show which way to twist it. 

What are its functions?

The dishwasher filter is mainly in your appliance for:

• The protection of the pump from getting clogged by massive particles.
• Accurate cleaning and the clearing of the dishwasher.
• Avoiding the recirculation of food particles, so they don’t stick on the dishes. 

Where is the dishwasher filter?

To have good access to the dishwasher filter, you will have to remove the lower dish rack. Now that the bottom of the dishwasher is exposed look at the back corner of the tub. There you can locate the dishwasher filter. You might also find it near the base of the bottom spray arm. 

Some dishwashers come with a triple filter system. There are two parts of such a system; lower filter and upper filter assembly. That is easily locatable as well due to the sizing. There’s no rocket science to find out the old whirlpool dishwasher filter location. You can easily locate it by above mentioned steps.

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When is the need to clean a filter?

You are supposed to clean your dishwasher filter if you notice the following:

• Visible food or solid particles
• Delay or worsening or cleaning process. This can be detected by stubborn food particles that remain on dishes. 
• Grime or gritty feeling on the dish while being washed and after washed. 

What are the materials needed?

• The company manual
• Dishwashing soap
• A sponge
• Towel
• An old toothbrush (optional item)

How to Clean Old Whirlpool Dishwasher Filter:

If you are ready to clean it and are sure that the dishwasher is a manual cleaning assembly, here is how, to begin with:

STEP 1: REMOVE THE FILTER

When you have accessed the filter according to the procedure, we explained before, be very careful with the next step. You might need to be informed about the type of filter it is. If you are going to be removing a triple filter system, then remove the upper filter first. This can be done by giving a quarter clockwise turn to it and pulling it out. after this, be gentle while pulling the lower part out. 

STEP 2: CLEAN THE FILTER

Now is the time to run water for some time, over the filter, to remove all sorts of debris. Take the brush (preferred with soft bristles), dip it in diluted dish soap, and remove the stubborn particles and hard water deposits. 

The material that will damage the filter includes; scouring pad and wire brush. Avoid using these on the filter. 

STEP 3: REPLACE THE FILTER

Replacing the filter is a very delicate task, so don’t be in a rush while doing it. Start by returning the lower filter at the bottom of the tub. Once you place it correctly, it will be entirely under the tabs, and the upper filter will quickly come in line with the round opening. 

Now fit the upper filter and make sure it is in line. Then start turning it clockwise until you feel it has stopped gliding in. If there is movement in the filter, it has not been seated well. It would help if you locked it in place. 

Loose filters are damaging to the dishwasher and the drain as well. Once done optimally, your filter will run smoothly, and so will your dishwasher. If you notice that the filter is damaged or needs a specialist’s view, take that as an alarm. There is a whirlpool replacement part site that can come in handy to choose whichever part is required.

 

Verdict:

We tried to be very brief above to explain how to clean the old whirlpool dishwasher filter. The process can be carried out with or without assistance. It is necessary to maintain gaps between clean-ups as opening and to replace the filter too many times is not good as well. 

If you are to wash the filter before loading, estimated around 14 loads per week, then cleaning once per year is okay for you. If you are scraping and rinsing before the loading process, then; 1 to 7 loads/week require cleaning once a year, and 8 to 14 loads/week need it twice a year.

With that in mind, be very specific when it comes to cleaning the filter and keeping it running as no matter how old the whirlpool filters are, they are the most reliable.